{
  "id": 8859579,
  "title": "Government committed to ensuring the rights of children with disabilities and providing equal opportunities – PM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/government-committed-to-ensuring-the-rights-of-children-with",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T03:56:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/government-committed-to-ensuring-the-rights-of-children-with-disabilities-and-providing-equal-opportunities-pm/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized on Sunday that a disability should never hinder a child's future prospects and the government is dedicated to creating an inclusive society with equal opportunities for all. Addressing the ceremony at Temple Trees to honor Girl Guides receiving the highest award, the Prime Minister highlighted the government's commitment to building a society that values and empowers individuals with disabilities.\n\nDr. Amarasuriya stated that the government has already taken steps to support students with disabilities, offering a special allowance of Rs. 100,000 each to university students pursuing higher education. Over Rs. 37.4 billion has been allocated for persons with disabilities and their families, with an additional Rs. 10 million designated to develop a national policy on empowerment and implement community-level programs.\n\nThe Prime Minister also mentioned the development of hostel facilities for 16,000 university students with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and convenience. Efforts are being made to provide assistive technology and digital educational materials for children with disabilities, aiming to remove barriers in accessing education and vocational training.\n\nOne of the primary concerns for many parents is the future of their children with disabilities after they are gone. The government is committed to creating an environment that enables these children to develop skills and economic independence. The Prime Minister emphasized that a thriving nation and a beautiful country are defined not just by economic development, but by a society that cares for, accepts, and respects every individual. Success, she noted, is not defined by the barriers faced but by the courage to overcome them. The government seeks to learn from the experiences of individuals with disabilities, particularly in fostering empathy, self-confidence, and courage within society.",
  "summary": "Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that having a disability or other special needs should never be a barrier to a child’s future, and that the Government is committed to building an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities without barriers, while giving due recognition to the true abilities and talents of every child.The Prime […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}